ArthurBenitoAragon

Arthur Benito Aragon, 87, crossed over to his eternal home on May 27, 2016. He was born March 3, 1929 in Las Vegas, NM - one of 14 children born to Candelario and Epifania Aragon. Art was a lifelong educator and coach in the Santa Fe area who made a difference in the lives of many, but the role he cherished most was husband, father, and grandfather.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Vincente, Napoleon, Rubel, Benny, Nestor, and Mike; sisters Carmen Ulibarri, Molly Vigil, Pauline Lamb, Henrietta Esquibel, Nannie Vigil, and Bella Aragon; Father and Mother In-law, Juan Jose and Dora Vigil.

Arthur attended Hardin Simmons University on a basketball scholarship prior to serving the US Army during the Korean War. After the service, he attended NM Highlands University where he earned his BA and MA degrees and met his wife, Socorro. He taught and coached Basketball, Baseball, Football, and Track at various times during employment at Stanley High School, Pojoaque High School, & De Vargas Junior High. He was principal at Manderfield and Kearny Elementary School in Santa Fe until he retired in 1990.

Art was active in community recreation programs, teaching hundreds of people to swim. He excelled in several sports (even Senior Olympics), and nurtured hundreds of young athletes, especially his grandchildren. He was a lifetime member of the Elks and served in the Caballeros De Vargas. Art was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and grilling a good steak or making jerky. He was a hardworking craftsman who could build anything, including his own house and the furniture in it. Art was an excellent dancer and women in the family would jockey for a chance to dance with him. Arthur's priorities in life were God and family. He was proud of the Aragon family name and did extensive genealogical research, and lovingly embraced his wife's family as his own.

Viewing at 6:00 p.m., Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 6, 2016 at Cristo Rey Church in Santa Fe. Tuesday-June 7th, Words of Remembrance will begin at 11:45 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis celebrated by Msgr. Jerome Martinez y Alire, co-celebrated by Fr. Frank Pretto and Fr. Adam Lee Ortega y Ortiz. Burial services with Military Honors and committal by Fr. George Salazar will then take place at 2:15 p.m. Santa Fe National Cemetery.

A heartfelt thanks to the compassionate and caring healthcare workers (many Art's former students) who helped his family walk him home, especially those from the SF VA Clinic and Ambercare Hospice; much gratitude to Fr. Paul Meaden for the sacrament of last rites. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Carmelite Sisters of Santa Fe, 49 Mt. Carmel Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87505.

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